Tweet
PROVIDENCE INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS ON ARF ANNIVERSARY
By Steve Elmasian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2013/03/06/providence-inducts-new-members-on-arf-anniversary/
March 6, 2013
PROVIDENCE, R.I.-On Sat., Feb. 23, the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF) of Providence celebrated the organization's 123rd
anniversary before a packed house in the Aramian Auditorium at Sts.
Vartanantz Church.
The flags were presented by the AYF and Homenetmen scouts, as Shant
Eghian sang "Anmar Mnah" (Without End), with Unger Raffi Rachdouni
accompanying him on the piano. The emcee, Unger Margaret Stepanian,
began the evening by asking Arch Priest Gomidas Baghsarian to provide
the opening prayer. Unger Stepanian then provided a brief history of
the ARF in the Providence community, which has carried the torch for
well over a century-since 1893. If this event was any indication of
our future, we are here to stay for a very long time.
Current Providence ARF Chairman Unger Hagop Donoyan gave the opening
remarks and welcomed the guests. Unger George Aghjayan of the Worcester
"Aram" Gomideh and Unger Khajag Megerdichian of the Boston "Sardarabad"
Gomideh gave the ARF message in English and Armenian, respectively. A
traditional luleh kebab dinner was prepared and served by the ungers
and youth, and was delicious as always. Comments were given by Unger
John Mkrtschjan and Unger Sarkis Tarpinian, both active members of
the Providence "Kristapor" Gomideh.
A scene from the event The highlight of the evening was the
presentation of ARF lapel pins by the spouses and children of deceased
ungers to the seven new members who recently took their oaths. These
new members, most of whom have gone through the ranks of the Providence
AYF and Homenetmen Chapters, are: Unger Andrew Bagdasarian, Unger
Sevan Donoian, Unger Dalita Getzoyan, Unger Raffi Rachdouni, Unger
Alex Saakov, Unger Garo Tashian, and Unger Levon Zobian.
They sing in the church choir and serve on the altar. They are like
many others who call the community center/church complex and its
buildings their second home. Their roots are in Bulgaria and Hayasdan,
in Springfield, Mass., and Palu, historic Armenia. They are from Sweden
and Baku, Azerbaijan, from the old neighborhood of Smith Hill where
the settlers first arrived, and from Syria and Lebanon. The guests
reflected the same backgrounds: third- and fourth-generation Armenians,
or those that came from war-torn Beirut, or new arrivals from Syria and
Armenia. This is the strength of the Armenian community in Providence.
Der Gomidas concluded the program with his remarks and a closing
prayer. The other strength of this community lies in the camaraderie
and fellowship between the ARF and her sister organizations (the ARS,
AYF, Hamazkayin, and Homenetmen) and the church, always working hand in
hand for the betterment of our people and our nation. This has been the
credo in Providence, as Der Gomidas always points out when he speaks,
especially at events such as this. And, as the two guest speakers both
noted in their deliveries, the real strength of this community comes
from the consistent and steadfast support of its hamagirs (supporters).
The Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble provided entertainment with the
singing of nationalistic songs that had the crowd on the edge of
their seats. It was like time had stood still, and this community
went back 80 years.
A portion of the proceeds will be sent to the Syrian-Armenian
community, which is in a daily struggle to survive.
To make a donation, mail your check to Providence ARF, 7 Armenia St.,
Providence, RI 02909.
In the words of our late Unger John Varadian, in whose honor these
new members have taken their oaths-"Good Show."
Steve Elmasian is the vice chairman of the Providence ARF.
By Steve Elmasian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2013/03/06/providence-inducts-new-members-on-arf-anniversary/
March 6, 2013
PROVIDENCE, R.I.-On Sat., Feb. 23, the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF) of Providence celebrated the organization's 123rd
anniversary before a packed house in the Aramian Auditorium at Sts.
Vartanantz Church.
The flags were presented by the AYF and Homenetmen scouts, as Shant
Eghian sang "Anmar Mnah" (Without End), with Unger Raffi Rachdouni
accompanying him on the piano. The emcee, Unger Margaret Stepanian,
began the evening by asking Arch Priest Gomidas Baghsarian to provide
the opening prayer. Unger Stepanian then provided a brief history of
the ARF in the Providence community, which has carried the torch for
well over a century-since 1893. If this event was any indication of
our future, we are here to stay for a very long time.
Current Providence ARF Chairman Unger Hagop Donoyan gave the opening
remarks and welcomed the guests. Unger George Aghjayan of the Worcester
"Aram" Gomideh and Unger Khajag Megerdichian of the Boston "Sardarabad"
Gomideh gave the ARF message in English and Armenian, respectively. A
traditional luleh kebab dinner was prepared and served by the ungers
and youth, and was delicious as always. Comments were given by Unger
John Mkrtschjan and Unger Sarkis Tarpinian, both active members of
the Providence "Kristapor" Gomideh.
A scene from the event The highlight of the evening was the
presentation of ARF lapel pins by the spouses and children of deceased
ungers to the seven new members who recently took their oaths. These
new members, most of whom have gone through the ranks of the Providence
AYF and Homenetmen Chapters, are: Unger Andrew Bagdasarian, Unger
Sevan Donoian, Unger Dalita Getzoyan, Unger Raffi Rachdouni, Unger
Alex Saakov, Unger Garo Tashian, and Unger Levon Zobian.
They sing in the church choir and serve on the altar. They are like
many others who call the community center/church complex and its
buildings their second home. Their roots are in Bulgaria and Hayasdan,
in Springfield, Mass., and Palu, historic Armenia. They are from Sweden
and Baku, Azerbaijan, from the old neighborhood of Smith Hill where
the settlers first arrived, and from Syria and Lebanon. The guests
reflected the same backgrounds: third- and fourth-generation Armenians,
or those that came from war-torn Beirut, or new arrivals from Syria and
Armenia. This is the strength of the Armenian community in Providence.
Der Gomidas concluded the program with his remarks and a closing
prayer. The other strength of this community lies in the camaraderie
and fellowship between the ARF and her sister organizations (the ARS,
AYF, Hamazkayin, and Homenetmen) and the church, always working hand in
hand for the betterment of our people and our nation. This has been the
credo in Providence, as Der Gomidas always points out when he speaks,
especially at events such as this. And, as the two guest speakers both
noted in their deliveries, the real strength of this community comes
from the consistent and steadfast support of its hamagirs (supporters).
The Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble provided entertainment with the
singing of nationalistic songs that had the crowd on the edge of
their seats. It was like time had stood still, and this community
went back 80 years.
A portion of the proceeds will be sent to the Syrian-Armenian
community, which is in a daily struggle to survive.
To make a donation, mail your check to Providence ARF, 7 Armenia St.,
Providence, RI 02909.
In the words of our late Unger John Varadian, in whose honor these
new members have taken their oaths-"Good Show."
Steve Elmasian is the vice chairman of the Providence ARF.